Attendance Overview

Moon Area Elementary School Attendance Overview

Because of Moon Area’s commitment to providing students with an exceptional education that fosters achievement, we are concerned when a child misses school or is tardy. The process of education requires instruction that is based on skill building, class participation, and learning experiences. Frequent absences and tardiness to school affect your child’s learning opportunities.

We are certain that you share our concern regarding missed instruction. We do realize that on certain occasions, students will have a necessary and excused absence. Please read the attendance overview. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the building Principal or Main Office.

Arrival: 8:05 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Dismissal: 3:15 p.m.

ABSENCES

Require a written excuse turned in within 3 days after the absence (state law).

Notes should include a parent/guardian phone number, student grade, and reason for absence.

TARDIES

Students should be accompanied by a parent/guardian to the Main Office when reporting to school tardy.

Require a written excuse turned in within 3 days after the tardy (state law).

If tardy is due to a doctor’s appointment, bring a note from the doctor’s office.

EARLY RELEASES

Require a hand-written note, phone call, or e-mail in a timely manner from a parent/guardian to the Main Office and/or teacher.

Information will include reason for dismissal, student information, and individual signing-out the student.

In the event the classroom teacher has a substitute for the day or is unavailable due to teaching, please include the Main Office Administrative Assistant in communication.

Parent/Guardian is required to report to the Main Office to sign-out the student. Proper I.D. is required.

HOMEWORK

Homework can be requested through the classroom teacher by 11:00 am.

Homework can be picked up in the Main Office after 3:00 pm.

MEDICAL

Pre-existing medical issues require yearly updates from the doctor, for both the nurse and Main Office records.

VACATION REQUEST

Please complete the vacation request form online or ask for a copy in the Main Office.

Approved form must be on file prior to vacation.

No student will be approved beyond a total of 10 days for the school year.

Assignments will be at the discretion of the teacher. This may include work prior or after the vacation.

All work assigned must be completed. Work not completed will be evaluated as zero.

EXCUSED LAWFUL ABSENCES (Policy # 204 Pupils)

Illness, including if a student is dismissed by designated district staff during school hours for health-related reasons. [3][6]

Obtaining professional health care or therapy service rendered by a licensed practitioner of the healing arts in any state, commonwealth or territory. [6]

Quarantine

Family emergency

Recovery from an accident

Required court attendance

Death in family

Participation in a project sponsored by a statewide or countywide 4-H, FFA, or combined 4-H and FFA group, upon prior written request. [1][6]

Non-school-sponsored educational tours or trips, if the following conditions are met: [6][28]

The parent/guardian submits written request for excusal prior to the absence.

The student’s participation has been approved by the Superintendent or designee.

The adult directing and supervising the tour or trip is acceptable to the parents/guardians and the Superintendent.

College or postsecondary institution visit, with prior approval.

Other urgent reasons. Urgent reasons shall be strictly construed and do not permit irregular attendance. [3][6]

EXCUSED LAWFUL ABSENCE PROCEDURES

10 absences: Letter notification

15 absences: Medical notes only for absence to be excused

20 absences: Retention conference and possible removal from school programs

25 absences: Assignments will be graded but recorded as zero in gradebook.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCE PROCEDURES

3 unexcused: Letter notification

6 unexcused: Student Attendance Improvement Conference (SAIC)

9 unexcused: Referral to attendance program through Allegheny County

12 unexcused: Charges filed with magistrate

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Thank you,

J. H. Brooks Elementary

1720 Hassam Road, Moon Township, PA 15108

Equal Opportunity and Title IX Statement

Moon Area School District (MASD) does not discriminate in its educational programs, activities or employment practices based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally-protected category. Announcement of this policy is in accordance with State Law including the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and with Federal law, including Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.